How can new girls lacrosse players quickly improve their skills. What equipment do beginners need to start playing lacrosse. Which techniques are most important for novice lacrosse players to learn first. How can young athletes prepare for their first lacrosse season.
Choosing the Right Lacrosse Stick for Beginners
Selecting an appropriate lacrosse stick is crucial for new players entering the world of girls lacrosse. A well-chosen stick can significantly impact a player’s ability to learn and enjoy the game. But what makes a good beginner’s lacrosse stick?
First and foremost, ensure the stick is properly sized. A stick that’s too long or short can hinder a player’s ability to control the ball effectively. To determine the correct size, place the stick’s head on the ground next to your foot. The butt end should reach somewhere between your hip and armpit. If needed, cut the shaft to achieve the right length.
When it comes to the head of the stick, beginners should opt for a wider, more forgiving pocket. This design makes catching and cradling easier for those still developing their skills. Avoid smaller “fiddle sticks,” which are more suited for advanced players or as toys.
Contrary to popular belief, a quality beginner’s stick doesn’t have to break the bank. Many affordable options provide the necessary features for new players to start their lacrosse journey. Look for sticks specifically designed for beginners, which often have a larger sweet spot and more flexible materials.
Key Features of a Good Beginner’s Lacrosse Stick:
- Proper length (customizable if needed)
- Wide head with a forgiving pocket
- Durable construction
- Comfortable grip
- Balanced weight distribution
Remember, investing in a suitable stick from the start can make the learning process smoother and more enjoyable for new players.
Mastering the Art of Cradling in Girls Lacrosse
Cradling is a fundamental skill in lacrosse that every player must master. But what exactly is cradling, and why is it so important?
Cradling is the technique used to keep the ball secure in the pocket of the lacrosse stick while moving. It involves gently rocking the stick back and forth, using the momentum to keep the ball nestled in the pocket. Without proper cradling, the ball would simply fall out of the stick during movement.
For beginners, developing a smooth and effective cradling motion takes time and practice. The key is to make it a natural, almost subconscious movement. How can new players work on improving their cradling skills?
Effective Ways to Practice Cradling:
- Carry your stick around the house, constantly cradling a ball
- Practice cradling while walking or jogging
- Cradle while watching TV or during other sedentary activities
- Alternate between one-handed and two-handed cradling
- Increase your speed gradually as you become more comfortable
Remember, the goal is to make cradling feel like second nature. With consistent practice, even off the field, new players will soon find themselves cradling effortlessly during games and drills.
The “Monkey Scoop” Technique: A Game-Changer for Beginners
Scooping ground balls is a crucial skill in lacrosse, but many beginners struggle with the proper technique. Enter the “monkey scoop” method – an unconventional yet highly effective approach to picking up loose balls. But how does this technique work, and why is it so beneficial for new players?
The monkey scoop gets its name from the way it mimics a monkey’s arm movements. Instead of approaching the ball with a rigid, shovel-like motion, players are encouraged to let their arms hang loose, similar to a monkey’s. This relaxed posture allows for a more natural and fluid scooping motion.
To execute the monkey scoop:
- Hold your lacrosse stick with a relaxed grip
- Let your arms hang down, allowing the stick to sway slightly
- Bend your knees and get low to the ground
- Approach the ball with a horizontal stick position
- Scoop through the ball in one smooth motion
This technique helps prevent common beginner mistakes, such as digging the stick into the ground or attempting to “shovel” the ball. By keeping the stick parallel to the ground, players increase their chances of successfully scooping up the ball.
Why is the monkey scoop so effective for new players? It encourages a more relaxed and natural approach to ground balls, reducing tension and improving success rates. Additionally, it helps protect the stick from damage caused by forceful impacts with the ground.
Understanding the Rules: A Crucial Step for New Lacrosse Players
Grasping the rules of lacrosse is essential for any new player looking to excel in the sport. But with its unique set of regulations and terminology, how can beginners effectively learn and internalize the rules of girls lacrosse?
First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the official rulebook provided by USA Lacrosse. This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic gameplay to specific fouls and penalties. However, for many beginners, diving straight into the technical jargon can be overwhelming.
A more accessible approach is to combine theoretical learning with practical observation. Watch girls lacrosse games, whether in person or online, to see how rules are applied in real-time situations. This visual learning can help contextualize the written rules and make them easier to understand.
Key Rules for Beginners to Focus On:
- Field positions and boundaries
- Scoring and goal regulations
- Possession rules and draw controls
- Common fouls and penalties
- Equipment requirements
Understanding the roles of different positions is also crucial. Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities of each player on the field, from the goalie to the attackers. This knowledge will not only help you play your own position better but also improve your overall game awareness.
Remember, rules in girls lacrosse are designed to ensure fair play and player safety. By internalizing these regulations, you’ll not only avoid penalties but also contribute to a more enjoyable and competitive game for everyone involved.
Perfecting the Catch: Tips for Improving Hand-Eye Coordination
Catching is often considered one of the most challenging skills for new lacrosse players to master. The combination of hand-eye coordination, timing, and proper technique can be daunting. So, how can beginners improve their catching abilities?
The key to successful catching lies in a gentle, controlled approach. Many novices make the mistake of swatting at the ball, which often leads to missed catches or fumbles. Instead, think of catching as if you’re receiving a delicate egg.
Steps to Improve Your Catching Technique:
- Keep your eyes on the ball at all times
- Position your body behind the stick, creating a solid platform
- As the ball approaches, begin to “give” with your stick
- Move your stick slightly backwards upon contact, creating a cushioning effect
- Close your top hand around the stick head to secure the ball
Practice is crucial for developing this skill. Find a partner to play catch with, or utilize a wall or rebounder if practicing alone. Start with slower, shorter passes and gradually increase speed and distance as your confidence grows.
Another effective drill is the “rapid fire” catch. Have a partner toss multiple balls to you in quick succession. This helps improve reaction time and hand-eye coordination. Remember to focus on proper technique rather than speed initially.
Lastly, don’t get discouraged by dropped balls. Even experienced players miss catches occasionally. The key is to learn from each attempt and continually refine your technique.
The Importance of Teamwork in Girls Lacrosse
While individual skills are crucial in lacrosse, the sport’s true essence lies in teamwork. But why is teamwork so vital in girls lacrosse, and how can new players contribute effectively to their team?
Lacrosse is inherently a team sport, with each position playing a specific role in the overall strategy. Success on the field depends on how well players work together, communicate, and support one another. Even the most skilled individual cannot win a game alone.
Key Aspects of Teamwork in Lacrosse:
- Clear communication on and off the field
- Understanding and respecting each teammate’s role
- Supporting teammates during both offense and defense
- Celebrating team successes and learning from collective mistakes
- Maintaining a positive attitude, even in challenging situations
For beginners, focusing on teamwork can actually accelerate individual skill development. By working closely with teammates, new players can learn from more experienced members of the team and receive constructive feedback.
One effective way to build team chemistry is through group drills and exercises. These activities not only improve skills but also foster trust and understanding among teammates. Encourage your coach to incorporate team-building exercises into practice sessions.
Remember, a strong team culture extends beyond the field. Participate in team events, support your teammates during challenges, and always prioritize the team’s goals over individual achievements. By embodying the spirit of teamwork, new players can make valuable contributions to their team, regardless of their skill level.
Developing a Practice Routine for Consistent Improvement
Consistent practice is the cornerstone of improvement in any sport, and lacrosse is no exception. But how can new players create an effective practice routine that leads to tangible progress?
The key to a successful practice routine lies in its structure and consistency. While team practices are essential, individual practice sessions allow players to focus on specific areas of improvement. Here’s how beginners can develop a productive practice routine:
Elements of an Effective Lacrosse Practice Routine:
- Warm-up and stretching (10-15 minutes)
- Stick skills practice (20-30 minutes)
- Conditioning drills (15-20 minutes)
- Position-specific training (20-30 minutes)
- Cool-down and reflection (10 minutes)
Start by setting clear, achievable goals for each practice session. These could range from improving your cradling technique to increasing your shooting accuracy. Having specific objectives helps maintain focus and motivation during practice.
Incorporate a variety of drills to keep practices engaging and target different skills. For example, alternate between wall ball exercises for catching and throwing, cone drills for footwork and agility, and shooting practice on a goal or target.
Don’t neglect the importance of mental preparation. Spend time visualizing game scenarios and practicing decision-making skills. This mental rehearsal can significantly improve on-field performance.
Finally, track your progress over time. Keep a practice journal to record your achievements, areas for improvement, and any insights gained during each session. This reflection can help you identify patterns and adjust your practice routine as needed.
Remember, consistency is key. Even short, focused practice sessions done regularly can lead to significant improvements over time. Aim for at least 3-4 individual practice sessions per week, in addition to team practices and games.
Nutrition and Fitness for Young Lacrosse Players
Proper nutrition and fitness are crucial components of success in lacrosse, especially for young, developing players. But what should a beginner’s diet and exercise routine look like to support their lacrosse journey?
First, let’s address nutrition. A balanced diet is essential for providing the energy needed for practices and games, as well as supporting overall growth and development. Young lacrosse players should focus on consuming a mix of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Key Nutritional Guidelines for Young Lacrosse Players:
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables for essential vitamins and minerals
- Choose whole grains for sustained energy
- Include lean proteins like chicken, fish, and legumes for muscle recovery
- Stay hydrated with water and electrolyte-rich beverages
- Limit processed foods and sugary snacks
Proper meal timing is also important. Aim to eat a balanced meal 2-3 hours before practice or games, and have a small snack containing carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes after intense activity to aid in recovery.
When it comes to fitness, lacrosse requires a combination of endurance, strength, and agility. While team practices will contribute to overall fitness, additional exercises can help new players improve their physical readiness for the sport.
Fitness Components for Lacrosse Success:
- Cardiovascular endurance (running, cycling, swimming)
- Strength training (bodyweight exercises, resistance bands)
- Agility drills (ladder exercises, cone drills)
- Flexibility and mobility work (dynamic stretching, yoga)
- Core strengthening (planks, Russian twists)
For young players, it’s important to focus on proper form and technique rather than heavy weights or intense workouts. Bodyweight exercises and functional movements that mimic lacrosse actions are ideal for building a strong foundation.
Remember to incorporate rest and recovery into your routine. Adequate sleep (8-10 hours per night for adolescents) is crucial for physical recovery and cognitive function. Listen to your body and avoid overtraining, which can lead to burnout or injuries.
By prioritizing both nutrition and fitness, new lacrosse players can set themselves up for long-term success in the sport while promoting overall health and well-being.
Top 7 Tips for New Girls Lacrosse Players
Everything You Need to Know About Girls Lacrosse on Long Island
Top 7 Tips for New Girls Lacrosse Players
The spring lacrosse season is coming up and that got us thinking about all the new girls lacrosse players that will start playing for the very first time. Hundreds of new girls will be signing up to play lacrosse on Long Island this year and many of them may never have held a stick. Don’t worry, lacrosse is an easy game to learn as long as you are dedicated, willing to learn and excited to get out on the field.
We wanted to share a few tips and tricks for all the new girls lacrosse players out there. These lacrosse tips are very basic and meant to help girls of all ages who are just starting to play lacrosse. So, everyone from new kindergarten girls lacrosse players to those trying out for their high school team will find these pointers useful.
7 Tips for Lacrosse Beginners
- Get a Good Stick
A good lacrosse stick is really important even if you are just starting out.
You want a stick that is cut to the proper size (watch this video to see how to size and cut a stick). You also want a stick that has the correct head size and isn’t a smaller, fiddle stick. Fiddle sticks are just toys and you are entering the world of real Long Island girls lacrosse- you need a real stick!
Investing in a good girls lacrosse stick doesn’t mean you need to spend hundreds of dollars. There are plenty of affordable options you can get that will help you jump into the game with ease. Check out our detailed article about beginner girls lacrosse sticks to help you find a good stick for you.
- Learn to Cradle
Learning to cradle is one of the first things you do in lacrosse. Never heard of cradling? Well, it essentially means to rock that ball back and forth in your lacrosse stick, keeping the ball in the pocket of the stick through inertia. If you do not cradle the ball as you run, it will just fall right out of your stick!
Cradling the ball is very simple and will eventually come as second nature to any girls lacrosse player.
However, it does take practice! The best way to practice cradling is to always have a stick in your hand, rocking that ball back and forth as you walk around the house, walk around the block or even as you are watching TV. The more you casually cradle, the better you will become!
- Scoop Like a Monkey
Okay, okay, we know that this sounds silly but it works! We have seen many beginner youth lacrosse girls try to scoop the ball as if they are using a shovel. Digging the lacrosse stick straight down into the ground will never get the ball into the lacrosse stick pocket. It will only bend your stick!
Learning to scoop correctly can take time but the best trick is to think about a monkey. Hold your lacrosse stick in your hands and hang your arms down low like a monkey. Let the lacrosse stick sway back and forth like a monkey’s arms do as they run. Then, bend your knees and get low to scoop the ball. ‘Monkey arms’ help to keep the lacrosse stick horizontal and in the best position for scooping.
Give it a try and you will see that it’s much easier to scoop the ball like a monkey than a farmer digging a hole!
- Learn the Rules
Even the most beginner girls lacrosse player should learn the basic rules of the game. You need to know the rules in order to learn how to play. You can read all the technical rules and regulations on the USA Lacrosse page or you can watch some useful videos on how to play girls lacrosse. You should also watch some live girls lacrosse games so you can see how the game is played in real life.
We also have a very helpful article about girls lacrosse positions. Check out the girls lacrosse position diagram which will give you a good visual of where the players are on the field. If you really know how to play the game and understand the basic concept of girls lacrosse, you will already have an advantage on the field!
- Catch Carefully
Catching a lacrosse ball is one thing all beginner lacrosse players struggle with.
It is hard to master the hand eye coordination needed to catch a lacrosse ball. However, once you learn to catch a lacrosse ball, you will never forget how- it’s like riding a bike!
One of the main tips to catching a lacrosse ball is to catch it gently, as if it were a fragile egg. You do not want to swat at the ball as it comes toward you. You actually want to move your lacrosse stick back, giving the ball a nice basket to fall right into.
Have a family member or friend throw the ball to you so you can practice catching. You could also go outside and find a concrete wall to throw and catch against or buy a lacrosse bounce back to help you practice catching. Practice, practice, practice and you will learn how to catch a lacrosse ball in no time!
- Play As a Team
Always remember that girls lacrosse is a team sport. It doesn’t matter if one person has the best shot if the team doesn’t play well as a whole. That star shooter will never get the ball without a good defense and aggressive offense!
You need to play as a team member and find your perfect fit on your team.
Work with your coach to find what position is best for you and how you can help your team win.
In addition to using your lacrosse skills to benefit the team, you should also act as a team. Make friends, hang out together, and talk to each other! This is part of the fun! And communication and friendships off the field will lead to amazing plays on the field.
- Enjoy the Game
Lacrosse is supposed to be fun. It is an exhilarating game of skill and action. Lots of friendships are made on the lacrosse field and being on a girls lacrosse team on Long Island will help you learn many life long lessons. You need to enjoy playing lacrosse in order to play well. This is true with every sport!
Only play lacrosse if you love it. This may be our number one tip for new lacrosse players. We think everyone should give lacrosse a try but only continue to play if you enjoy being on the lacrosse field.
Best Advice for New Lacrosse Players
You may feel like you have so much to learn if you are playing lacrosse for the first time.
Hopefully these lacrosse tips will help you feel comfortable and confident as you enter the world of Long Island girls lacrosse.
Girls lacrosse is such a fun sport, and we hope you take these simple tips and transform them into a long, successful lacrosse career.
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5 Tips for Preventing Injuries in Women’s Lacrosse.
Some of the world’s best female lacrosse players recently battled for the title of World Champion at the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship, hosted this year at Towson University. Women from over 30 countries competed in the event that began on June 29 and ran through July 9. The competition is considered the Olympics of lacrosse, given that it only happens every four years.
In partnership with USA Lacrosse, sports medicine experts from MedStar Health are honored to provide medical coverage for the summer-long series and two other premier lacrosse competitions, including the following:
- Women’s World Festival (June 30-July 8)
- Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse, season two (July 11-August 14)
This ‘Summer of Lacrosse’ is exciting, and it’s also an opportunity to highlight lacrosse injury prevention.
Preventing injuries in women’s lacrosse requires a different approach than in men’s. While they’re both intense games with the same objective, there are significant differences in the rules, playing field, and level of contact, and injury patterns vary based on age, gender, and level of play. Although women’s lacrosse is considered to have less risk of injury than men’s lacrosse, it’s important to take steps to prevent injuries, whenever possible.
Men’s and women’s lacrosse are both fast-paced, intense games. But the rules and equipment are different. On the #MedStarHealthBlog, learn tips from two sports medicine experts on preventing injury in women’s lacrosse: https://bit.ly/3P7aD1q.
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Lacrosse-specific injury prevention tips.
In women’s lacrosse, common injuries include ACL tears and muscle sprains. That’s because the fast-paced game requires frequent pivoting, cutting, and dodging, with or without contact. Other injuries include concussions, lacerations, and contusions, which can occur from incidental contact with the stick, ball, or another player.
You can’t always eliminate the risk of injury, but the following tips can help you to reduce your chances of getting significantly hurt.
1. Wear well-fitting eye protection and mouthguards.
Although not required in other countries, girls and women in the U.S. are required to wear eye protection during lacrosse. This mandate surfaced in 2004 for all levels of female lacrosse play and has nearly eliminated sight-loss injuries in the women’s game, when worn appropriately. In addition, contusions around the eyes and nose decreased ten-fold since the ruling. Protective eyewear must be certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) and fitted appropriately, which means:
- The front of the goggles should be wide enough for the face so that it rests along the temples and the forehead
- The band is tight enough for the goggles to be snug, but still comfortable
There are several different brands that meet the requirements, but most include a metal cage over the eye.
It’s important to wear protective eyewear anytime you are near active play, even if you are on the sideline or warming up. In partnership with US Lacrosse, we’ve created both written and video instructions for effectively donning and removing proper-fitting goggles.
Well-fitting mouthguards are also important protective gear that can help to prevent injuries to the mouth and teeth.
2. Consider the pros and cons of protective headgear.
Women’s injury prevention warrants other protective equipment specific to the female lacrosse game. Men’s lacrosse involves plenty of intentional body-to-body contact, but most concussions and head injuries that occur in girl’s and women’s lacrosse happen from incidental stick and ball contact. Now, women can choose to wear an ASTM-certified protective headgear, which is similar to a soft bike helmet and can be worn at any level of play. Florida is currently the only state that mandates protective headgear for girl’s lacrosse played in public school.
Early research suggests headgear may reduce head injuries and concussions, however more studies are necessary. Headgear in other sports, like football or hockey, is proven to reduce the incidence of skull fractures and similar injuries. If we can validate that headgear definitively decreases concussions in women’s lacrosse, these findings will be unique and could lead to different protective mandates.
3. Perform research-backed warm-up exercises.
Players should be acclimatized to their sport, which means it’s important to warm up before play and cool down afterwards. Appropriate warm up ensures the muscles are ready to play before practice and game. Like other sports with ACL injury rates, USA Lacrosse has developed recommendations that help to ensure balanced muscular strength and coordination before intense play in a program called LAXPREP.
4. Know the injury philosophy of the coaching staff.
One way parents can help reduce the risk of serious injury is by being good consumers.
If your child plays in a club or recreational lacrosse league, you should know how the coaching staff handles injuries. We recommend finding a team that has an emergency injury action plan and necessary medical equipment, like an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), at practice and games. This ensures the right equipment is nearby and ready to rescue an athlete suffering from cardiac arrest or other serious conditions.
5. Participate in a variety of sports, especially in younger years.
Kids should be playing lacrosse because it’s fun and they’re learning valuable lessons, like sportsmanship and perseverance. Young kids particularly should avoid focusing on a single sport and instead play several sports. Multi-sport participation is proven to reduce ACL injury and help kids to be better, healthier athletes.
MedStar Health’s unique partnership with USA Lacrosse.
For over 25 years, MedStar Health has partnered with USA Lacrosse to care for lacrosse athletes across all levels of play.
This state-of-the-art care is delivered in the national headquarters for USA Lacrosse at MedStar Health Medical Center at Hunt Valley and around the world. In addition to exceptional clinical care, both organizations work together to conduct research and educate on injury prevention, ensuring safe, enjoyable play for lacrosse athletes in the U.S. and internationally. And, these same experts providing care for the lacrosse pro’s offer the same compassionate, personalized sports medicine care to the community at convenient locations in Baltimore and the surrounding region.
Looking for treatment for a recent sports injury?
Click below to find a MedStar Health Sports Medicine expert near you and learn more.
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Lacrosse films
Tag / Tag: lacrosse 35
When watching the films presented in the selection, some of the viewers may become interested in certain scenes of what is happening on the screen.
The traditional for the USA and Canada, but almost unfamiliar to us sports team game called lacrosse takes place in them. The participants are professionals and amateurs, Indians, boys and girls, students and businessmen.
Best films category :
First Love (1999)
Grizzly (2018)
Razor (2008)
New (recent) films :
Body Snatchers (2019)
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
American Pie Presents: The Girls Rule (2020)
TOP movies tagged “lacrosse” : Teen Wolf (2011), Warrior Heart (2011), Crooked Arrows (2012), Grizzlies (2018), Wildcats (2008), Skulls 2 (2002), Mean Girls (2004), The One (2011), Hammer (2010), Wayne’s World 2 (1993), Squanto: Legend of a Warrior (1994), Forgive and Forget (2000), Traces of Sin (2016), Replacement (1996), Killer Under the Bed (2018), Body Snatchers (2019 ), American Pie Presents: Girls Rule (2020), Supergirl (1984), One Is Not Alone (2013), First Love (1999).
A list of films sorted by the degree of accuracy with which the tag characterizes the film.
Yes
No
Agree ⁄ Disagree that this movie matches the tag
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Subscribe to new movie recommendations in the list: “lacrosse”
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Chessbox, footvolley, lacrosse, teqball, underwater rugby: monologues of people who practice unusual sports in Russia
If you have never heard of these sports, it’s time to learn more about them.
What are their essence, what are the rules and development prospects in our country, players and coaches tell.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse is a contact team sports game in which two teams of ten people each (nine field players plus a goalkeeper) participate. Mandatory equipment – a rubber ball weighing 150 grams and sticks with a handle, the top of which is reinforced with a net. The length of the stick handle differs between defense, midfield, attack and goaltender players. The goal of the game is to throw the ball into the opponent’s goal using a stick.
Dmitry Khamin, coach of the Moscow Bulldogs lacrosse club:
“The first time I saw how lacrosse was played was in the movie American Pie. After that I forgot about the game. While working at school, he decided to diversify the leisure time of children: he came up with a game that he called “tubeball”. There are two teams in the game, each athlete has a can of chips.
The players had to pass the tennis ball from can to can and hit the target, fixed under the basketball hoop. The game was dynamic, but there could not be contact in it in order to avoid injuries. Then I remembered lacrosse! I found a team on the Internet – the athletes trained nearby, in the Moscow Friendship Park. Came to class and… fell in love with the game. I still train and train.
No specific training is required for those wishing to play lacrosse. Athletes of any level will be useful in the game. In my memory, there are many cases when players who were not in good physical shape or were overweight, after a year or two, noticeably improved their performance.
Classes are held twice a week for adults, for children’s teams – three times a week. Usually these are one and a half hours of training, which include general physical training, technical, tactical and game practice.
Many people confuse lacrosse with American football or rugby.
I’ve stopped being offended. If a person is interested, I tell him in detail what kind of game it is and how to contact us.
Previously, there were only two teams in Russia, now there are already three and the fourth is on the way. Not so long ago, the last stage of the Lacrosse Development League ended, where teams from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yaroslavl participated.
Footvolley
Footvolley is a very spectacular sport, a hybrid of beach volleyball and football. The game takes place on a beach volleyball court and is very similar to the sport, but the use of hands is prohibited. Touches of the ball are allowed with the feet, chest and head.
A team consists of two players (in Brazil 3×3 and 4×4 are also practiced). Each rally begins with a serve (performed with a foot from a sand slide at the back line of the site). The opponent receives the serve most often with the chest (less often with the head, foot, knee), trying to hit the ball forward and as high as possible for the partner.
He, in turn, brings the partner to the net with the second transfer (chest, head, shoulder or foot), and the third touch in this draw is an attack (transferring the ball to the opponent’s half) with his head or foot in a spectacular jump near the net.
The rally ends when the ball touches the sand. The game usually lasts up to 15 or 18 points, less often – up to 21 or 25 (depending on the status of the tournament and the number of participating teams). The match continues until the victory of one team in two sets. When experienced athletes meet, the game turns into a real show with an abundance of long draws and spectacular acrobatic stunts.
Evgeny Gavronin, founder of the Russian Football League:
– Since childhood, I have been involved in various variations of football: 11 × 11, mini-football, beach. In the summer of 2016, my beach friend invited me to take part in an international footvolley tournament in Poland. I was surprised, then I watched videos about this sport and fell ill with it.
We went to competitions without any preparation at all, were mercilessly beaten by experienced athletes from other countries and returned with an irresistible desire to develop in this sport. Well, in parallel to develop it in Russia.
The tactics here are from beach volleyball, the technique is close to football, but still with its own characteristics. Technical elements need to be worked out – and play, play, play. You also need to be well prepared physically (or start training hard). Moving on sand is very energy intensive.
In our country, 90% of athletes come to football from beach football, the rest – from classic football. We do not train very often: we gather once a week. We run tournaments every month. Trainings consist of working out technical elements and actually playing football. Everyone works on “physics” independently (jogging, gym). Moscow has many indoor sports centers for beach sports. There are no problems with choosing a place for training in winter.
Viewers usually have a lot of questions about footvoley, my favorite ones: “Can you use your hands? Well, at least once for a draw, huh? ”,“ Don’t you know how to play volleyball normally with your hands?
My friends and I organized the Russian Football League, a community of fans of this sport, which has players from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk. We train, we organize tournaments. The main season is summer. We play in each city, then the finalists compete for the unofficial title of Russian champion in the superfinal.
We also play winter season in Moscow and St. Petersburg (infrastructure permits). There is no official structure (federation, football association) in Russia yet, but we are moving towards this. At this stage, the main thing is to attract new players, to raise the level of competition. To do this, we invite foreign masters from Italy, Israel, Spain to participate in our tournaments and train.
Teqbol
Teqball combines the principles of football, table tennis, football and even volleyball with handball.
Here you need to think quickly, have good coordination, feel the ball and your partner (in doubles matches). Competitions are held in 1×1 and 2×2 formats, that is, singles and doubles. The essence of the game is simple: throw the ball over the net to the opposite side of the table (hand touches are prohibited). But at the same time, the team has only three touches, and the same athlete cannot play the ball twice with the same part of the body.
Kirill Zemskov, teqball player:
— I first heard about teqball in 2018 during the World Cup. And I decided to do it, because it is an amazing mixture of fun, joy and real sport. Plus, I have always been attracted to games that develop technique and coordination.
The main problem with teqball is inventory. Special tables are expensive, not everyone can afford to buy official techboards from the international federation FITEQ. You can practice this sport in football academies and private schools with good financial opportunities.
Everyone who develops teqball in Russia does it in their spare time. Therefore, we train when possible, usually once or twice a week, the rest of the time we try to keep fit on our own.
Our workouts are carried out in a playful manner: after warming up and stretching, we immediately begin to “cut” in full. By the way, teqball training methods have not yet been received even from Hungary (the country in which teqball originated. – Ed. ). We are looking forward to, but in the meantime, we are coming up with our own options for classes.
Previously, the techboard was in Gorky Park, we even managed to hold several tournaments there. People gathered at the table, many asked what kind of outlandish sport this was. Most do not know what teqball is, and some call it a frivolous activity. To such people, I usually offer to fight one on one and defend their position in a fair fight.
Teqball has come a long way in a short period of time, which takes many years for other sports.
Two World Cups have already been held, at the second, last year, Alexander Obidin and I represented Russia. Teqball has well-known ambassadors-patrons: Ronaldinho, Cafu, Carles Puyol, Robert Pires, Simao Sabroza, William Gallas. This game was recognized by the Asian Olympic Committee, and the second World Cup, held in Reims, brought together participants from more than 40 countries.
There are prerequisites for the development of teqball in Russia, but so far the competitive part is poorly developed. There is no official Russian teqball championship, just as there is no structured competition system. But enthusiasts are already appearing who alone are trying to get things off the ground. We really need our own corner, at least a small teqball base with two or four tables, where we could improve our technique and at the same time teach beginners the basics of teqball. My dream is to see the Teqball World Cup in Russia, and even better, to take part in it.
Underwater rugby
Underwater rugby was invented by the German military in 1952 to train combat swimmers.
Equipment – mask, snorkel and fins. Two teams of six players are in the water and six more are on the bench. The game is held on the breath. The task is to drive the ball into the opponent’s basket (baskets are installed in the deep part of the pool at opposite ends, and the ball is filled with salt water and therefore sinks).
Anton Churzin, player of the Betta underwater rugby club, co-founder and general manager of the European Underwater Rugby League:
— I learned about underwater rugby 18 years ago. My sister wanted to go swimming – the whole family went to training, and underwater rugby classes were held nearby. As a result, my sister went several times, and my dad and I stayed for a long time. Together they played for the Russian national team at the 2011 World Cup. I still play, and in recent years I have been actively involved in organizing competitions. For me, this is a huge part of life, and any conversation with new acquaintances or old friends always leads to underwater rugby.
The most common question everyone asks is how long can we stay under water holding our breath. Each time I have to explain that 3-4 minutes, but in the game it is not necessary. On average, you spend 30 seconds underwater per dive during a game. Then 3-4 breaths – and dive again. And so two halves of 15 minutes of pure time.
Players need good swimming training. And you also need to navigate well under water in three dimensions, make decisions quickly and not turn off the game, even when you do not own the ball.
Since the sport is non-professional, everyone chooses the training regimen for himself. Someone comes to the game training once a week. Others are serious, they work out twice a week in the pool, they also have two training sessions with the ball for practicing tricks and playing combinations, one game room and a room at their discretion.
Underwater rugby has been developing in Russia since 2001. The first decade saw rapid development thanks to enthusiasts.
10 teams played in the Russian championship. There was a men’s and women’s national team of Russia. Youth team three times in a row (2007, 2008, 2009) won the European Championship. Unfortunately, things went downhill in the second decade. The decision to cancel the Russian championship was a verdict for underwater rugby in the country. After that, in 2012 we created the European Underwater Rugby League. Now 10 of the strongest clubs in Europe play in it, and it is considered the most prestigious tournament and the best organization in the world. Competitions are held in three rounds in different cities of Europe. The entire organization of the tournament lies on the shoulders of the Russian team.
Checkbox
Chessboxing, as the name implies, combines such sports as chess and boxing. The match consists of 11 rounds (odd – chess, even – boxing). Rivals fight in the ring, they play chess in the same place. It is a mixture of very aggressive sports and the most intellectual.
Animal aggression and instincts plus cold calculation and the power of intellect.
Arnold Baklitsky, member of the Russian chess boxing team:
— I first heard about chessboxing in the media, it was a long time ago. At some point, I thought that for a fighter I play chess very well, and decided to take part in the competition. With difficulty I found a federation and asked for it myself for the tournament. I spent a lot of time searching… but I wanted to realize my difference from other fighters.
I played chess as a child (this sport should be started early or never). But I started boxing at the age of twenty, now I box at the CCM level.
Switching from round to round, alternating between boxing and chess is not easy for many. Coolness is important here. If you have time to wink at the seconds between exchanges of blows in a fight, this sport is for you. And in chess, especially without a cool head, it is impossible to win at a competitive level.
